How Often Do I Need My Kitchen Sprinkler System Inspected?

Function

• Sprinkler systems in living areas of residential homes typically are of the wet-system variety, meaning water remains at high pressure within the pipe until a sprinkler head detects high heat. At that point, the sprinkler head opens and allows the water to erupt.

Weekly Inspections

• You should check the pressure gauges on a wet system weekly, according to the “Manager’s Guide to Preventative Building Maintenance,” by Ryan Cruzan. The author adds that some sprinkler systems have control valves with tamper signaling devices. If your system has these, monthly testing of pressure gauges is sufficient.

Quarterly and Annual Inspections

• On a quarterly basis, you should hire a professional sprinkler contractor or inspector to check your system, according to Cruzan. The inspection likely will entail testing flow switches, connections to your local fire department and water flow. An expert also must perform an extensive annual check to ascertain the condition of the whole system and to perform various tests to ensure all parts function properly during an emergency. Corrosion, for example, can compromise the performance of the sprinkler heads, meaning you must replace them immediately.

Regulations

• Some regional fire codes require sprinkler inspectors to be certified at the state or national level, according to “Fire Inspector: Principles and Practice,” a guide created by the Association of Fire Chiefs International. Contact your local building department to determine what regulations apply in your area. Ask for a list of local experts who meet the minimum qualifications. If your region doesn’t require certification and you decide to inspect your system yourself, ask the building department for a copy of the local fire code regulations that pertain to sprinkler systems and safety inspections.